Four Ways Back to Health!
4 Ways to a healthier back:
Most of us have experienced moderate to severe neck, mid-back or lower back pain, in fact back pain ranks second only to common cold as the most frequent cause of sick leave in the United States. Contrary to popular belief spines do not just give out, rather it takes months and years for a condition to develop if left untreated. In most cases, any back problems can be prevented with lifestyle changes and habits. What you may not know is how the health of your spine is directly related to your overall health and aging process.
Your spine has many muscles, tendons and ligaments that serve as connections to areas throughout your body. Your spine also houses your nervous system which in turn controls all of your vital organs. Every cell in your body is dependent on the energy that it gets from the brain which travels through your spine. So keeping your spine in top condition is the best things you can do for both your back and your overall health.
1. Lose the Extra Pounds
Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. However, did you know that being overweight is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. The spine is designed to carry the body’s weight and distribute the loads encountered during rest and activity. When excess weight is carried, the spine is forced to assimilate the burden, which will lead to structural compromise and damage.
2. Get Fit & Strong
While keeping your weight down is important, it is also crucial to strengthen the core muscles and the ligaments around your spine. Lack of exercise and bodily conditioning leads to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs. Your increased strength and fitness will keep your joints well lubricated and prevent your body from tightening up, and minimize the chances of debilitating injuries.
3. Sit Straight
Your posture has a direct correlation to your overall health. Examine how you are sitting right now… are your shoulders hunched over? Is your head tilted to one side? Do you have a forward head posture? Do you notice that when you are stressed you tend to slouch more? Poor posture can cause insomnia, general fatigue, headaches, neck pain, tightness in the shoulder blades, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, as well as a wide range of other issues. By becoming more conscious of your posture and by strengthening your core you can prevent back problems from developing altogether.
4. Schedule a Checkup
As it was mentioned earlier your spine is essential to the overall health of your vital organs because it holds your nervous system. It is highly recommended that anyone who would like to get on the path to a healthy back, to first schedule a complete spine checkup by a specialist to determine if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed first. Give us a call at Wellness Choice Center in Newport Beach, Orange County, and we will set up a time for us to sit down one-on-one to meet and talk about your health concerns. We will study the x-rays and address any core issues prior to starting a strengthening and fitness program. Without a complete checkup, any sudden fitness programs or strengthening exercises could exacerbate your current condition. Call us at 949-847-1333 for a complimentary consultation.
